As promised, Yashamaru arrived that evening, holding neatly folded scarves prepared for Minato and his team.
There was no helping it—after all, the Land of Wind was deep within the desert, and its weather was notoriously volatile.
Blisteringly hot during the day and freezing cold by night.
Though it wasn't the dead of winter yet, the chill in the evening air still bit at the skin, especially for those unaccustomed to desert life.
Scarves weren't just a fashion choice—they were essential. They provided warmth at night and protection from the relentless desert dust storms that often rolled in after dusk.
Under Yashamaru's lead, Minato and his three students—Kakashi, Obito, and Rin—donned their scarves and headed toward the Kazekage's residence.
Upon arrival, they were warmly greeted at the door.
"Please, come in and make yourselves at home," said Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, his voice calm yet hospitable.
The dining table was already fully prepared, steam rising gently from the freshly made dishes.
Kakashi glanced at the spread with mild curiosity and was quickly impressed. A generous platter of air-dried beef sat in the center, alongside a beautifully roasted whole lamb, its golden-brown skin glistening under the lights. There were also several delicate, home-cooked vegetarian dishes, each carefully arranged with attention to detail.
It was evident that the hostess, Karura, had gone to great lengths to ensure this meal would be memorable.
"To celebrate the alliance between Konoha and Sunagakure, and to promote peace between our villages—cheers!" Rasa raised his glass, standing from his seat with a rare smile.
"Cheers!"
The adults toasted with sake, while the underage trio of Kakashi, Obito, and Rin clinked their glasses of juice, grinning.
As the drinks flowed and the food disappeared from the plates, the mood around the table turned increasingly lively.
No longer weighed down by the responsibilities of public office, Rasa revealed a much more personable side. Freed from the image of the stoic Kazekage, he was now just a new father enjoying dinner with friends.
With his warm and gentle wife Karura beside him, the atmosphere was harmonious, making the evening feel more like a close family gathering than a political engagement.
After the meal, Minato and Rasa, both young leaders with Kage-level insight, gravitated toward one another, launching into an intense conversation about village governance, infrastructure, and shinobi training programs.
Meanwhile, Obito—cheerful and endlessly curious—eagerly struck up a conversation with Yashamaru, asking about the customs and peculiarities of the Sand Village. Yashamaru, amused and patient, gladly entertained his questions.
Kakashi sat quietly next to Rin, watching as she admired the baby in Karura's arms.
Little Temari, barely a few months old, stared up with wide blue eyes. Her tiny hands twitched as she looked curiously at Kakashi, captivated by his silver hair and mysterious mask.
Smiling beneath it, Kakashi slowly lowered his mask and made a funny face at her.
To his surprise, Temari let out a soft giggle, her tiny arms waving happily.
"Sister Karura, can I hold her?" Kakashi asked, intrigued by the baby's reaction to him.
Karura looked pleasantly surprised but nodded with a smile. "Of course, just be careful."
Kakashi reached out, gently cradling Temari in his arms with uncharacteristic tenderness. Rin immediately scooted closer, ready to catch the baby should Kakashi slip up.
"You're holding her too stiffly," Karura laughed as she observed them. She walked over, gently adjusting Kakashi's hold and offering Rin a few whispered pointers on infant care.
Whatever Karura whispered had a noticeable effect. Rin's face turned crimson, and she quickly waved her hands in denial, though her gaze shyly flickered toward Kakashi before darting away again.
Kakashi, oblivious to Rin's reaction, was busy dealing with an unexpected challenge.
Temari, apparently hungry, began squirming.
What made things worse—or perhaps more awkward—was that her small hands reached up and began grabbing at Kakashi's chest, groping in confusion.
Kakashi froze, unsure how to react.
"Uhh... what does she want?" he mumbled.
Having never held a baby before and with zero parenting experience, he was genuinely bewildered.
Karura quickly noticed his awkward expression and stepped in, chuckling softly. "I'll take her. She's just hungry."
She gently retrieved Temari from his arms and disappeared into the bedroom to feed her.
"I didn't expect you to be so good with kids," Rin teased, trying to hide the amused smile playing at her lips.
"I wouldn't say that," Kakashi replied, adjusting his scarf. "She's just... cute. And I get this feeling she's got a strong connection to Konoha."
"A connection? You mean like fate?"
"Exactly. I have a feeling she'll end up marrying Shikaku's son when she grows up."
"What? How can you possibly know that?" Rin raised an eyebrow, skeptical.
"Well, I can't know it. But I've got a hunch. Want to bet on it?"
Rin perked up with curiosity. "What kind of bet?"
"If I'm right, you owe me a favor—anything I ask. And if I'm wrong, I'll owe you. Deal?"
"Deal! Let's pinky promise," Rin said, holding out her right pinky finger.
Kakashi hooked his with hers.
"You taught me this," Rin said with a grin. "No going back now!"
As the promise was sealed, Rin's heart fluttered.
By the time Temari grew up and got married, they'd be adults… and who knows what would happen by then?
Rin's cheeks grew even redder, lost in her own thoughts.
Boom boom boom—boom boom boom!
Suddenly, a series of heavy knocks thundered against the front door.
Obito and Yashamaru immediately stood up, exchanging a quick look before hurrying to open it.
Outside stood a Sand shinobi with a stern face. Kakashi recognized him immediately—Baki.
In the original timeline, Baki had played a crucial role in various events. He was the man who, in the Chūnin Exams, struck down Moonlight Gai with a single move.
Now, standing in the dim light, Baki looked just as fierce as Kakashi remembered.
His face was half-covered with a white cloth, the other half revealing sharp features and a furrowed brow. He wore the standard brown Jōnin vest of the Sand Village over a black undershirt.
"Yashamaru, I need to speak to Lord Kazekage—it's urgent."
Without another word, he walked swiftly past them and into the house.
Kakashi's gaze followed him sharply, his instincts kicking in.
Moments later, Baki appeared before Rasa and leaned forward.
"Lord Kazekage, our spies have confirmed—Cloud Shinobi forces, ten thousand strong, have reached the oasis fifty kilometers from the village. They've set up camp."
Rasa's face immediately darkened. "So fast? They're preparing to launch an attack tomorrow?"
"It appears so. The commanders are already convening. They await your presence, my lord," Baki replied, clearly on edge.
Rasa turned to Minato and the others and bowed slightly.
"My apologies. It seems urgent matters require my attention."
He then turned to Yashamaru. "Please escort our guests back to their lodgings and ensure they rest well."
With that, Rasa nodded once to Baki. "Let's go."
Without wasting another second, the two men vanished from the room, leaving behind a faint trail of wind and dust.
Minato silently watched them leave, then turned to his team.
"Let's go. There's no point in staying any longer tonight."
They returned to their assigned residence, a temporary housing area set aside for their delegation.
The second they stepped inside, Obito turned excitedly toward Minato.
"Minato-sensei! Are we heading to the battlefield tomorrow?"
Minato hesitated for a moment, eyes narrowing in thought.
"We don't know the full situation yet. It'll depend on what the Kazekage decides. But…"
He looked them over seriously.
"We should prepare for the worst. Get a good night's rest and conserve your strength."
"Got it!" Obito replied instantly, trying to sound calm but clearly brimming with excitement.
But Kakashi, who knew Obito well, doubted he would sleep at all.
This was a golden opportunity—an official mission that could turn into a real battle. For someone like Obito, who dreamed of becoming Hokage, this was the moment he had longed for.
Fighting side-by-side with comrades, under the banner of justice and protecting peace…
What more could he ask for?
And considering the shinobi the Third Hokage had sent to support Minato, there was another layer to this mission.
Almost all of them were from the Uchiha clan.
It wasn't just a rescue—it was a calculated political move.